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Loney ejected for arguing balls and strikes

Loney ejected for arguing balls and strikes

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By Ken Gurnick
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MLB.com |

NEW YORK -- Dodgers first baseman James Loney was ejected from the second game of Tuesday night's doubleheader against the Mets for throwing a batting glove after being called out on strikes by plate umpire Angel Campos. It was Loney's first ejection since Double-A.

Loney was called out on a 3-2 pitch that appeared low, ending the inning instead of walking in the go-ahead run.

Loney argued with Campos and was separated by coaches Larry Bowa and Mariano Duncan. As Loney walked toward first base, he removed his batting glove and threw it in the direction of the plate. Campos immediately ejected Loney, apparently for throwing the glove in his direction.

That brought out Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who pointed in the face and went nose-to-nose with Campos, a Triple-A umpire called up for vacation relief. Loney was the only ejection, even though Bowa continued the argument with crew chief Brian Gorman.

Loney explained his uncharacteristic display of temper.

"I got so surprised and shocked. 'Did that just happen?'" he said. "Everybody was in shock. It was the situation of the game, it could have been the biggest situation.

"If he thinks I was trying to hit him with the glove, he's got bigger issues. The call was one thing, but to get thrown out, he just made a bad judgment. I had my back to him. I think he just got frustrated by everybody yelling at him that he finally had to throw somebody out of the game. I had my back turned to him."

Said Torre: "I think sometimes umpires forget the pressure involved playing the game and maybe act a little too soon. I know James is not one to cuss out an umpire, or anyone for that matter. I think it was unnecessary and just unfortunate that it happened -- on the part of the umpire, not James."

Ronnie Belliard moved over from third base to replace Loney, and Casey Blake, who did not start, was inserted to play third.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.